SPOTLIGHT ARTISTS
Jessica Griggs
Creative Craft Spotlight Artist
I am an artist. A wife and mother. A landscape architect. An avid traveler. I love the unexpected in nature: the subtle color changes that many people overlook, and the small seasonal changes that are constantly taking place. I like to take these subtleties, enlarge them to a size that causes people to pause, and engage every viewer in a way that helps them appreciate the little joys in life.
As a wife, an artist, a mom, and a landscape architect, my world is filled with constant joy and excitement. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, I started my career at Denison University in Granville, Ohio as a biology and studio art double major. After receiving my master’s degree in Landscape Architecture at The University of Georgia, I moved to Longwood, Florida and joined Dix.Hite + Partners, a landscape architecture and planning firm. I’ve been a part of the Dix.Hite team for over 22 years, and I currently serve as a principal and Director of Operations for the firm.
Through my art, I try to share my love of the natural world: The small, subtle colors and changes that occur each season. Memories from my home state of Ohio. The wide array of plants growing in my backyard. The wonderful native and Florida-Friendly landscape plants that I promote every day in my career. Each of these small moments has a brightness to it that brings me joy every time I step outdoors. It is this joy and happiness that I hope to share with others.
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Hannah Allen
Fine Art Spotlight Artist
From the quiet wonder of a tide pool to the electric flash of a bird's wing mid-flight, Hannah Allen has spent her life paying close attention to the natural world — and translating what she sees into breathtakingly detailed colored pencil artwork. Hannah began drawing at age seven, and what started as a child's fascination with color and form, grew into a deeply personal practice fueled by nature walks, time spent at zoos, and timeless visits to aquariums. It didn’t take long for Hannah’s love for nature and the connection to art to be recognized by Stella Tagliavore at The Art Studio of Lake Mary.
Stella mentored Hannah as she developed a realist style that captured not just the appearance of her subjects — marine life, birds, wildlife, and beloved pets — but their presence: the glint in an eye, the iridescence of a feather, the luminous stillness of an underwater scene. Hannah’s work is guided by a simple but deeply held mantra — Art from the heart — and that sincerity shows in every mark she makes. Hannah’s main focus is to capture every detail to highlight the personality of each animal, especially through the eyes.
Hannah's creative life is inseparable from her love of animals and her commitment to community. Time spent volunteering as a docent and animal presenter at the Sanford Zoo — where she donates artwork to the gift shop, with 100% of proceeds supporting animal care.
She also supports mental health awareness by contributing silent auction art for the annual Ali's Hope Foundation fundraiser. Hannah frequently shares her passion in the community at art events and has been awarded “Best of Show” at the Cocoa Village Spring Fine Art & Craft Fair, “Second Place in Fine Arts” at the Art Fiesta in New Smyrna Beach, “Judge's Award” at the 60th annual DeLand Outdoor Art Festival, and an “Award of Honor” at the 62nd Annual Apopka Art & Foliage Festival. Her work has also been featured in Lake Mary Life magazine, and she was interviewed on Channel 13 news.
Lastly, Hannah’s artwork is showcased at the TADA Art Gallery in New Smyrna Beach, and she welcomes commissions — whether you're hoping to immortalize a beloved pet, a favorite animal of nature, or a corner of the natural world worth remembering. www.hmaartistry.com.
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